The key to solving Britain’s social mobility problem

It’s been revealed that practical, locally-led decisions could unlock opportunity for millions of people across the UK. Initiatives could range from introducing better buses to providing early work experience. The findings draw on a year of roundtables with local leaders from multiple sectors, visits to projects across the country, and conversations with people working to increase opportunities in their communities.

The number of young people who are ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training) now exceeds one million. Recent data also shows that over 639,000 graduates are now claiming benefits. In response, the commission’s new report calls for a place-based approach to social mobility. Entitled “Regional Insights: Creating fairer chances across the regions”, the report highlights the commission’s belief that local knowledge will play a pivotal role in addressing the issues at the heart of Britain’s social mobility problem.

Four priorities emerged:

• Give young people real-world work experience before leaving school
• Improve transport links to jobs and training
• Support those stuck in long-term economic inactivity
• Build local pride and belonging

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Greater Manchester is showing what can be achieved when devolved authorities are given the powers and resources to open up opportunities for residents and tackle inequality. This report endorses our place-based and place-first approach, recognising that good growth comes from the bottom up, not top down.

“Through the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate we are aligning our technical education system with the needs of the local economy to create more opportunities for young people, and by integrating our public transport system under the Bee Network, we’ve made moving around Greater Manchester easier, cheaper and more accessible for everyone.”

Helping young people experience work

Local leaders told the commission that young people need stronger access to the world of work throughout secondary education. Without it, they struggle to understand the labour market, the skills employers value, or the full range of routes available. To address this, the commission is encouraging local government to:

• strengthen collaboration between FE colleges and employers
• ensure high-quality, locally relevant careers advice
• expand access to work experience or career days that reflect the needs of the local economy

Sandwell College in the West Midlands is one example of what this can look like in practice. It has a strong community outreach and employer engagement programme. The college offers on-the-job learning as part of T-level courses, combining classroom study with at least 315 hours (45 days) of industry placement. Staff have seen clear long-term benefits for students, including increased confidence, ambition and stronger links with local industries.

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and principal of Sandwell College, commented:

“Work and industry placements give our learners a powerful advantage, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge in real world settings. These experiences provide them with opportunities to understand more about professional expectations, build their confidence and develop a wide range of essential softer skills, helping them to make informed career choices. Crucially, they progress to the next level of their qualification or step out to begin their early career, not only qualified, but truly ready for the world of work.”

Supporting people to move from welfare into work

Commissioners also heard how local governments could be better enabled to prevent people from falling into long-term economic inactivity or getting stuck on welfare. This most affects young adults. The commission believes that investing in adult literacy and numeracy, and tackling digital exclusion, can help people build the skills required by employers and move back into work.

A lack of reliable local transport is also a persistent barrier to accessing employment. Commissioners believe that improving bus, train and tram connections between towns, cities and key ‘opportunity hubs’ would open-up access. And it would do so without also forcing people to relocate away from their families and support networks.

Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“For too long, opportunity has depended on your postcode, and that has to change. Here in the Liverpool City Region, we’re trying to show what practical, locally-driven change looks like: freezing bus fares to keep travel affordable, supporting those struggling most through Households into Work, and giving care leavers the dignity of free travel as they take their first steps into adulthood.

“These are simple interventions, but they can transform someone’s life chances. This report makes clear that if we want lasting progress on social mobility, then we have to keep putting power and trust in the hands of local communities.”

Building local pride and belief

Finally, the commission heard how fostering a sense of belonging and local pride can be transformative. This is especially helpful when people believe that success is achievable within their neighbourhoods. Commissioners claim that community-driven programmes and strong local leadership play an essential role in helping people visualise what success looks like. They say it also helps to challenge long-held perceptions about what is possible.

A focus on the ‘right’ social mobility problem

The report highlights the need to shift focus away from policies that help only a small number of people into elite jobs. Instead, the commission argues for a place-based strategy that helps more people, in more places, to see real progress.

Alun Francis OBE, Social Mobility Commision chair, commented:

“The findings in the Regional Insights report reiterate the commission’s view that a one-size-fits-all national approach to social mobility does not work.  Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed – but what success looks like is different for everyone. We need to reflect this diversity of experience and individual needs in our policymaking.”

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said:

“No community should feel left behind. I’m determined to build a region where everyone, no matter their background, can get ahead and succeed. My West Midlands Works Plan sets out to do just that by helping thousands of people into good secure jobs so they can achieve their potential.”

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Council, said:

“We welcome the Social Mobility Commission’s commitment to a holistic approach – because real change happens when we look at the whole picture. In Barnsley, our ambition is for local people to live happy, healthy and productive lives.”

The report argues that education cannot operate in isolation. Social mobility depends on integrated strategies, linking schools, colleges, employers, and local authorities. Practical measures such as high-quality work experience, targeted careers advice, and accessible transport, are essential. For teachers, this is a call to deepen partnerships and champion place-based strategies that turn ambition into action.